Feb. 12, 2014

Mali guitarist and composer Habib Koite will stop in Des Moines on Feb. 24. / SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER

African musician Koite to perform at Temple Theater

Habib Koite, one of Africa’s most popular and recognized musicians, will play the Temple Theater at the Temple for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24.

The Mali guitarist and composer has been named the biggest pop star of the region by Rolling Stone and has sold more than 250,000 albums. His 2014 release, “Soo,” which translates to “home,” looks at his native land, a country torn apart by violence over the last two years.

More Iowa State Fair Grandstand acts announced

The Iowa State Fair has added more grandstand acts to its lineup. An on-sale date for tickets is still to be announced.

The Happy Together Tour, with the Turtles, Chuck Negron and others, returns Aug. 8 ($25), Jake Owen’s Days of Gold Tour with Eli Young Band and the Cadillac Three on Aug. 14 ($40) and Foreigner with Styx on Aug. 17 ($39).

Wisconsin author Perry coming to Temple Theater

Wisconsin author Michael Perry will stop in Des Moines for an appearance at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Temple Theater.

Perry is a New York Times best-selling author, humorist, singer/songwriter and radio show host. His memoirs include “Population: 485,” “Truck: A Love Story,” “Coop” and “Visiting Tom.”

Tickets are$16.50 through Ticketmaster.

'Thank God for Jokes' at Hoyt Sherman Place on May 17

Comedian and actor Mike Birbiglia will bring his “Thank God for Jokes” tour to Hoyt Sherman Place May 17.

Birbiglia is known for his work on NPR’s “This American Life,” and his own stage work, which he adapted into the film “Sleepwalk With Me.” Tickets are $35-$40 and go on sale Friday through Ticketmaster.